Swansboro – August 21, 2014
Lisa Malone with a 6 lb. spanish mackerel that bit a live menhaden near New Topsail Inlet while she was fishing on the “HOOKED UP.”
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are still seeing some solid action with large spanish mackerel around nearshore structure off Bogue Inlet. Some king mackerel are mixed in, and both are falling for live baits on light wire leaders.
Smaller spanish mackerel are feeding along the beachfront and will take a hearty interest in trolled Clarkspoons.
Bottom fishing in the 10-15 mile range has been good recently, with solid numbers of legal black sea bass and some gag grouper action as well. Frozen cigar minnows or live baits will produce results with the bottom feeders.
The flounder bite has gotten better in the ocean and inshore. The flatfish are looking for meals around nearshore reefs and ledges in the ocean, and they’re biting 2 oz. bucktail jigs tipped with Gulp baits.
Inshore, they’re feeding near the inlets, where anglers are fooling them with live baits and Gulps. Some larger flatfish should be looking for meals around inshore structure like the Swansboro and Cedar Point waterfronts. Larger live baits and Gulp baits will help anglers target the bigger fish.
Red drum are still on the feed in the local marshes, but they’re getting more scattered by the week. Staying on the move is the way to find action with the hungry reds.
Aloni Hargett with her first red drum, a 26.5″ fish she hooked near Swansboro on a live finger mullet.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing Charters, reports that anglers continue to see decent numbers of cobia around AR’s and wrecks in 55-70’ of water. Amberjacks are feeding in the same areas, and both fish will pounce on live menhaden or other baits.
Dropping baits to the bottom around the structure is producing a few gag grouper and plenty of sea bass, grunts, and other bottom feeders. Live baits are fooling the gags, with cut baits and squid the best bets for the smaller fish.
King mackerel fishing has turned on nearshore, and anglers are hooking solid numbers along the beachfront and at structure within a few miles of shore. Some large spanish mackerel are mixed in, and both will pounce on live baits like menhaden on light wire leaders.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers have been seeing some solid king mackerel action along the beachfront and around nearshore structure this week. Some large spanish mackerel are mixed in, and both are falling for live baits like menhaden.
More kings are feeding further offshore, and there are still a good number of cobia around the offshore AR’s and other structure. Amberjacks are feeding in the same areas, and both will pounce on live menhaden and other baits.
The dolphin bite is still going on further out, and boats that’ve been to the Gulf Stream recently are reporting excellent wahoo action. Ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures are fooling most of the wahoo and dolphin, but anglers can also hook up on baitless high-speed lures.
Hunter Wood (age 10), of Emerald Isle, with a 5.5 lb., 25″ speckled trout that struck a live finger mullet in a Bogue Sound marsh.
Inshore, there’s still some solid red drum action for anglers tossing topwater plugs in the marshes.
Speckled trout are feeding in the White Oak River and biting live baits, topwater plugs, and soft plastics.
The flounder bite inshore has been excellent as well, with the fish feeding around the inlets and inshore structure like docks and bridges. Live finger mullet and Gulp baits are fooling the flatfish.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers saw some incredible king mackerel action early in the week, landing seven while live baiting from the end of the pier one day. Some large (4-6+ lbs.) spanish mackerel are also falling for the live baits.
Smaller spaniards and bluefish are biting Gotcha plugs and other casting lures.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with sea mullet, spot, and pompano on shrimp and bloodworms. Some flounder are falling for live baits on the bottom.
